Solar power push targets 294 remote schools
THE Last Mile School Electrification Progarm is a joint initiative of the National Electrification Administration and the Department of Education aimed at providing electricity to public schools in remote or underserved areas across the Philippines.
The government is targeting the electrification of 294 remote public schools nationwide by the end of 2026, tapping 44 electric cooperatives to deploy solar power systems in communities where conventional electricity connections remain unviable.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said over the weekend that the rollout is part of its Last Mile School Electrification Program, which aims to close electricity access gaps in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Among the latest beneficiaries is Salumayag Tigwahanon Integrated School in San Fernando, Bukidnon, which was officially energized on 23 October through a partnership among NEA, the Department of Education and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative Inc. (FIBECO).
Solar power
The solar power installation is expected to benefit 315 Lumad students enrolled in the school’s elementary and high school levels.
The system will provide electricity for classroom lighting, electric fans, and essential educational equipment. The school also received smart televisions to support digital learning.
NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, who led the ceremonial switch-on, said electricity access would help improve learning conditions and provide students with greater educational opportunities.
Giving young people an opportunity
“This is the government’s way of giving our young people a greater opportunity to access effective learning methods,” Almeda said.
“And I hope these children succeed so they can lift their families out of poverty. Because I believe education is the only investment the government can provide to young people to help them lift their families out of poverty someday,” he added.
Meanwhile, FIBECO Acting general manager Jemilo Pelimer said solar power installations had been completed in 20 of the 21 public schools covered by the program within the cooperative’s franchise area as of 22 October.
Of these, only 12 had been energized, leaving eight completed installations awaiting energization and one school still pending installation.
NEA said more remote public schools are expected to benefit from the program in the coming months as the government steps up efforts to achieve nationwide school electrification.